David Blatte interweaves the central tenets of the vegan ethic with his
personal narrative in a way that is accessible and engaging to the reader.
He adds the unique influence of Buddhist teachings to support his journey of
understanding how humans contemplate and process the concept of true
compassion for all. The author addresses the many internal and external
influences we each experience in either making or not making the connection
of the consequences of eating animals - the meat-paradox and compassion.
Through incorporating different perspectives from a diverse group of
individuals, the reader is presented with strong support for the vegan moral
imperative. David takes the time to address all of the consequential issues
associated with being a meat eater and clearly and factually debunks every
argument for speciesism. The author poignantly asks "Why not vegan?" and
supports any and all efforts towards this end. Most importantly, he
encourages all of us to do the best we can - he reminds us, "Even though
none of us are perfect, we can aspire to be."
- Krissi Vandenberg, Executive Director, Vegan Action
Every page of this work signals the rigor of thought and commitment to
principle that have characterized David Blatte's personal witness for
compassionate treatment of animals in the 30 years I've known him. It's a
discerning narrative that reflects his keen appreciation for the thoughts,
emotions, and feelings of friends and family members who have struggled to
come to terms with the same basic question: is it right to eat meat? If
you're inclined to think that the world doesn't need another book on
veganism, think again, and read this one.
- Bernard Unti, Senior Principal Strategist for Communications, Humane
Society of the United States
A fascinating and informative glimpse into the life of an animal activist,
thinker, and lawyer, David Blatte's The Vegan Imperative illuminates the
ability of law, philosophy, and psychology to support the movement for
animal rights. As a matter of justice, animals deserve a legal and social
status that reflects the richness of their lives and their capacity for joy
and suffering. The Vegan Imperative makes a compelling case for such a
transformation.
- Matthew Liebman, Chair of the Justice for Animals Program and Associate
Professor, University of San Francisco School of Law
If we are to forge a pathway to our collective well-being, we need to
recognize the interconnectedness between diet, animal cruelty, and the
health of our precious larger body, this earth. The Vegan Imperative shines
a clear light on this crucial domain, showing how we can respond
nonjudgmentally, wisely and with compassion to the suffering in our world.
- Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and Radical Compassion
David begins The Vegan Imperative with a moving depiction of how personal
tragedy and his own suffering led to an awareness of the universality of
suffering, and how this awakened a sense of all-embracing compassion in his
heart. He combines his concern for animals with humor, storytelling and the
latest research, engaging the reader as he recounts his journey to veganism
and articulates, with compelling clarity, the moral, environmental and
health reasons to refrain from eating animal-sourced foods. Having answered
why vegan, David provides helpful insights into the enigmatic question:
despite the harm, why do kind and caring people not go vegan? For those
unfamiliar with veganism, this book provides many revelations, and even
seasoned vegans will discover fresh ideas and new perspectives. For anyone
striving for a life of greater peace and harmony--vegans and nonvegans
alike--The Vegan Imperative is a must-read.
- Dr. Will Tuttle, author of The World Peace Diet
Living with rescued farmed animals for over 30 years, I've experienced
firsthand how intelligent and sensitive they are. The Vegan Imperative will
inspire you to take a hard look at your food choices. If we are to practice
compassion for all sentient beings, veganism is essential.
- Kim Sturla, Executive Director, Animal Place
David is a former executive director of Vegan Action, where he instituted the “certified vegan” logo, now used on over 10,000 products. He was also an animal law attorney, handling a number of groundbreaking cases featured in The Vegan Imperative. He is a cofounder of Dharma Voices for Animals, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting veganism within the meditation and dharma communities, and director of the film Animals and the Buddha.
David was also a public defender, representing criminal defendants who could
not afford an attorney. A certified teacher, he taught high school math at
Berkeley High School and social studies as the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas
boys school. He has also been a professional blackjack player, realtor and
computer programmer.
His primary pursuit is meditation. In over 20 years of meditating, he has
lived on monasteries in Asia and the United States for just under a year and
has accumulated over two years of silent, intensive practice. He also
teaches meditation and offers a free online beginning course at
www.vipassanameditationteacher.com.
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